38,000 Malawians Flee South Africa as Vigilantes Drag Undocumented Foreigners from Homes

38,000 Malawians Flee South Africa as Vigilantes Drag Undocumented Foreigners from Homes

A wave of violent anti-migrant protests has forced at least 38,000 Malawians to flee South Africa in the past month, as vigilante groups drag undocumented foreigners from their homes and police operations target illegal mining. [193353][193375]

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Malawi announced Friday that it has repatriated 38,000 of its citizens from South Africa over the last month, following months of often violent protests against illegal immigration. [193353][193375] At least six Malawians died during the journey home. [193353] Protesters issued an unofficial ultimatum for undocumented foreigners to leave the country, and vigilantes have been dragging undocumented foreigners from their homes. [193375][193353]

The exodus highlights growing tensions over immigration in the region. [193353] In a separate incident, South African security forces arrested more than 200 people during a major raid targeting illegal mining at a gold mine shaft west of Johannesburg, with most of those detained being undocumented foreign nationals. [191814] Nigeria has condemned the deaths of two of its nationals during anti-migrant protests in South Africa, with the government claiming one victim was killed by police. [189879]

Hundreds of immigrants left Cape Town by bus on Monday night, clearing the repatriation site in Epping, marking the final stage of a government program to return foreign nationals to their home countries. [191138]

Sources

38,000 Malawians flee South Africa after anti-migrant violence #193353South Africa: Vigilantes Drag Undocumented Foreigners from Homes #193375South Africa arrests 200 in illegal mining raid; most are foreign nationals #191814Nigeria blames police for death of citizen in South Africa protests #189879South Africa Repatriation Site Empty After Hundreds of Immigrants Depart #191138

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